How Does Yoga for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Help?
Yoga is a holistic practice for maintaining your health. It incorporates controlled breathing with physical movements to improve both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Practicing yoga postures (asanas) will help you build physical fitness and:
– Flexibility
– Balance
– Strength
Yoga will also improve your posture, which has a substantial impact on breathing. Your energy levels will noticeably improve with regular practice of asanas as well.
The controlled breathing techniques of yoga (pranayama) will teach you how to use your lungs efficiently. That way, you’ll breathe better using up less energy, which is important for COPD patients.
What Are the Benefits of Yoga for COPD Patients?
People with COPD need yoga in more ways than one. Practicing yoga as a supplementary therapy for your condition will help you handle some COPD issues.
Gentle Exercise
Yoga is low-impact, which makes it a safer form of exercise for older patients. A study shows that if you combine yoga with aerobics, you can reduce your BMI and cholesterol levels. This is good for COPD patients that need to lose weight.
Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation of the bronchi is at the core of COPD. Practicing yoga has shown promise of reducing inflammatory markers over time, says a Harvard Health study.
Improves Breathing
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of COPD, regardless of its stage. Practicing yoga will teach breathing techniques you can use to breathe deeper and easier. A study shows that yoga can improve symptoms and lung function in patients with respiratory conditions.
Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Living with COPD can take a toll on your mind. However, yoga can help reduce the mental stress that comes with the condition. Many studies have shown the efficacy of yoga at reducing stress and anxiety in practitioners.
Offers a Support System
The yoga classes you’ll be taking will be tailored to COPD. So you’ll get the chance to interact with people dealing with the same condition. Knowing you’re not alone can bring some relief and motivate you to keep up the fight.
